The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended immediate action following a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that nullified its directive concerning preparations for the 2027 general elections. The commission had earlier mandated all political parties to submit their membership registers by May 10, 2026, as part of a revised pre-election timetable. However, the court judgment invalidated this directive, raising significant legal and political questions about the commission’s authority.
In its ruling, the court clarified that while INEC retains the constitutional responsibility to monitor party primaries, receive notifications, and collect candidate details, it lacks the legal power to impose timelines or regulate the internal processes of political parties. The decision effectively dismantles the commission’s pre-election schedule, particularly regarding party primaries and candidate nominations, and has triggered varied reactions across the political spectrum.
Reacting to the development, INEC officials stated that the commission would refrain from taking any position until it obtains and reviews the Certified True Copy of the judgment. Meanwhile, political parties remain divided over the implications, with some viewing the ruling as a victory for internal party autonomy, while others warn it could trigger instability, defections, and strategic disruptions ahead of the 2027 elections.
